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U.S. Pesticide Safety Highest in the World

(Washington, D.C. - Aug. 1, 2006) Americans today can be confident that pesticides used in the United States meet the highest health and safety standards in the world, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. On Aug. 3, 2006, EPA is expected to complete a 10-year review of 231 food use pesticides that resulted in changes to how these chemicals are regulated in this country.

"EPA's groundbreaking effort is being welcomed at dinner tables across the nation. The Bush Administration is ensuring pesticides used to grow the fruits, vegetables and other foods families are serving meet the highest protective standards in the world," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "This 10-year review enables farmers to grow a bountiful, healthy food supply for generations of American families."

By strengthening standards for pesticides used in the United States, those who apply pesticides will be better protected. In addition, by ensuring that instructions for pesticide use are followed wildlife and water resources will be better preserved. Changes in pesticide uses include outright elimination of unsafe uses, stricter labeling provisions and safer food tolerances.

Under the Food Quality Protection Act, the EPA review will cover 1,100 of 1,105 pesticides used in the United States.

An example of an accomplishment is highlighted in the proposed cancellation of the six remaining seed treatment uses of the pesticide lindane. Because EPA made the determination that the remaining uses of lindane are not eligible for re-registration, the manufacturers responsibly chose to seek voluntary cancellation.

The chemical aldicarb remains to be completed this fall. When aldicarb is complete, EPA will be able to conclude the cumulative assessments for carbamates (aldicarb, formetanate, carbofuran, oxamyl and carbaryl) and complete the reassessment of the remaining tolerances.

To ensure that pesticides are continuously reviewed against the latest health and safety standards, EPA's final rule will include a registration review program for reviewing pesticides on a continuous 15-year cycle. This program will ensure that all pesticide registrations are systematically reviewed every 15 years.